Unit 2: The Constitution

[Pages:20]Unit 2: The Constitution

Name ______________________________________ Per

Lesson 1:

Lesson one has two main assignments. At the end of these assignments you will take a closed note quiz. After these lessons you will be expected to be able to: (one or more of these objectives may appear as a short answer question on the quiz)

Critique the debates that occurred during the Constitutional Convention on the subjects of:

o Representation o Slavery o Powers of the national government

Thoroughly describe: o Virginia Plan o New Jersey Plan o Great Compromise

o Three-Fifths Compromise

Explain the concept of "federalism".

Standards in This Lesson

8.2 Students analyze the political principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government

2.3 Evaluate the major debates that occurred during the development of the Constitution and their ultimate resolutions in such areas as shared power among institutions, divided state-federal power, slavery, the rights of individuals and states (later addressed by the addition of the Bill of Rights), and the status of American Indian nations under the commerce clause.

2.7 Describe the principles of federalism...

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The Constitutional Convention of May 1787 was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where delegates from 12 of the 13 states were present. The state of Rhode Island refused to send a delegate because it was afraid of losing its states' rights. Their original goal was to strengthen the Articles of Confederation after the threat of Shays' Rebellion. However, the delegates worked for 4 months behind closed doors of the State House to draft a new document known later as the "Constitution." In Philadelphia, fifty-five delegates from twelve of the original thirteen colonies met to begin writing the Constitution of the United States. These delegates were selected by their states. They were educated, patriotic, and experienced men, ranging from the ages of 40 to 81. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate. Some men were landowners and some were lawyers or judges. All delegates held at least one public office. This group is sometimes called the "Founding Fathers." There were no women or minorities. Directions: Use this reading to answer the questions below.

1. The Constitutional Convention took place at the State House in ,________________ Pennsylvania.

2. The Constitution was drafted in ________________ months. 3. There were __________ delegates to the Convention. 4. Rhode Island did not send delegates to the Convention, so only _________ of the

______ states were represented. 5. The original goal of the Convention was to ________________ the Articles of

_________________. 6. Today we call this group of people our "________________________".

Read the class handout titled "The Constitutional Convention: An Overview" and answer the questions below.

7. List the goals of the Founding Fathers

8. Explain the roles of George Washington and James Madison

9. Describe the process of writing the Constitution

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10. Why was there division between the states with large populations and smaller populations?

11. How did Roger Sherman propose to settle these disputes? What do we call his plan?

12. Explain the process of the signing of the Constitution.

13. What was the plan after the Convention? How would the Constitution become the law of the land?

In order to create a Constitution that was agreeable to all the delegates the Founding Fathers had to debate several issues: how apportion representation in Congress, how to deal with the issue of slavery, and how much power the federal government should have. Add notes to this assignment as your teacher lectures to the class.

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Round

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Representation: The delegates had decided to include a legislative branch of government. This branch would be responsible for making the laws of the country. Some of the states had larger population and some of the states had smaller populations. The delegates had to decide how much representation each state would get in this branch (how many people each state got to send to the legislative branch to help make laws.

Virginia Plan (Large States) Representation

New Jersey Plan (Small States) Representation

Organization of Government

Organization of Government

Powers of Government President

Powers of Government President

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Round

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Slavery: Another issue for debate was how to handle the issue of slavery. Should it be allowed? Limited? If allowed should the slaves count as a part of the population?

Free States

Slaves States

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Round

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Powers of Government: Some of the most intense disagreements came over the powers of the new national government. Many of the delegates were still afraid of creating another situation like they had with Great Britain. Other delegates pointed out the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Anti-Federalists

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Lesson 2:

Lesson two has two main assignments. At the end of these assignments you will take a closed note quiz. After these lessons you will be expected to be able to: (one or more of these objectives may appear as a short answer question on the quiz)

Describe the philosophy of the Constitution regarding the organization of government and the powers of each branch.

o Legislative Branch o Executive Branch o Judicial Branch Explain the principles of the Constitution Understanding the organization and structure of the Constitution.

Standards in This Lesson

2.6 Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of Rights. 2.7 Describe the principles of federalism, dual sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, the nature and purpose of majority rule, and the ways in which the American idea of constitutionalism preserves individual rights.

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How the Government Works

The Founding Fathers created a national government that had three branches of government. These three branches would be responsible for running the country and keeping the citizens safe. The three branches are called: the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch.

Turn to the back of the previous page. Turn the page sideways and divide the page into a left and a right half. Title the left hand side "Legislative Branch" and the right hand side "Executive Branch". Turn to the back of this page and divide the page in half again. Title the left side "Judicial Branch" and the right side "Structure and Organization of Constitution".

The Legislative Branch: Read p.132-133 of your textbook and complete following tasks.

1. What is the main job/role of the Legislative Branch? 2. Name the two houses (or bodies) that make up this branch. 3. What is the name we give to this branch when we put both houses together? 4. Sketch two houses. Title one house "Senate" and the other "House of Representatives".

Add notes in each sketch describing each body of Congress. 5. How is a "bill" different from a "law". 6. List the main steps in how a bill becomes a law. 7. Define "veto" and "override".

The Executive Branch: Read p.134-135 of your textbook and complete following tasks.

1. What are the main jobs/responsibilities of the Executive Branch? 2. List the members of this branch. 3. Why are the powers of the President sometimes confusing? 4. Sketch a policeman's shield. Inside the shield write notes that answer these questions:

a. Length of term for president b. Name of system that elects president c. List some of the powers of the president

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